Ramaphosa Appoints Dr Johnstone Makhubu as New SARS Commissioner

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed Dr Ngobani Johnstone Makhubu as the new Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) for a five-year term, effective 1 May 2026, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the country's most critical state institutions.

The appointment, made in terms of Section 6 of the SARS Act of 1997, follows a unanimous recommendation by a selection panel convened by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, underscoring strong institutional confidence in Makhubu's leadership.

Leadership Transition at a Critical Fiscal Institution

Dr Makhubu succeeds outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, whose extended two-year contract concludes on 30 April 2026 after a tenure widely credited with restoring SARS' operational integrity and strengthening revenue performance.

The Presidency described Makhubu as a "seasoned public and private sector executive" with more than 17 years of senior leadership experience across tax administration, finance, operations, and commercial sectors.

His career spans multiple industries, including:

• Fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG)

• Mining and extractives

• Power generation

• Public revenue services

This cross-sector experience is expected to position him to navigate the increasingly complex intersection between taxation, economic growth, and global trade.

Continuity and Reform: Building on SARS' Recovery

Makhubu is not new to SARS leadership. Since 2023, he has served as Deputy Commissioner: Taxpayer Engagement and Operations, playing a central role in driving compliance, improving taxpayer services, and modernising operational systems.

He has also been instrumental in shaping and implementing the SARS Vision 2024 strategy, a reform agenda aimed at rebuilding institutional capability, enhancing digital systems, and improving revenue collection.

Key outcomes of Vision 2024 include:

• 7.6% compounded annual growth rate in revenue collections

• 3.4 percentage point increase in voluntary compliance

These gains have contributed to SARS' resurgence as a cornerstone of South Africa's fiscal stability, particularly amid ongoing economic pressures.

Strategic Importance of SARS in South Africa's Economy

In announcing the appointment, President Ramaphosa emphasised the central role of SARS in enabling government to function effectively.

"SARS is the institution that provides the financial resources necessary for the government to function, fund infrastructure, and pay for social services," the Presidency said.

The revenue service remains critical to:

• Financing public infrastructure programmes

• Supporting social grants and welfare systems

• Maintaining fiscal sustainability

• Facilitating trade and investment

A Vote of Confidence in Institutional Succession

Ramaphosa highlighted the appointment as a reflection of effective succession planning within the state, ensuring continuity in leadership while sustaining reform momentum.

"The change in leadership demonstrates how sound succession planning contributes to the capability of the state," he said.

Analysts note that promoting from within SARS leadership structures may help maintain policy consistency and institutional stability, particularly at a time when revenue performance is under close scrutiny.

Tribute to Kieswetter's Legacy

The President also paid tribute to outgoing Commissioner Edward Kieswetter, praising his "incisive and innovative leadership" in rebuilding SARS following years of institutional decline.

Under Kieswetter's leadership, SARS has been repositioned as:

• A key enabler of fiscal stability

• A driver of improved compliance and enforcement

• A facilitator of trade and economic activity

• A critical institution for restoring investor confidence

His tenure has been widely associated with the restoration of governance, operational efficiency, and public trust in the revenue service.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

As incoming Commissioner, Dr Makhubu will inherit both a strengthened institution and a complex operating environment, including:

• Persistent illicit economic activity and tax evasion

• The need to further expand the tax base

• Increasing pressure on public finances

• Rapid digital transformation of tax systems

• Balancing enforcement with taxpayer service

His leadership is expected to focus on deepening compliance, leveraging data and technology, and sustaining revenue growth in support of national development goals.

A New Chapter for SARS

The appointment signals a new phase for SARS—one that builds on recent recovery while adapting to evolving economic and technological challenges.

With continuity in leadership and a proven reform track record, government is positioning the revenue service to remain a central pillar of South Africa's economic governance framework.